CENTRE NEWS

​“At the moment it is second but it is rapidly overtaking guns and arms and it has already overtaken drugs,” said Poole. “Many drug traffickers are now human traffickers because they are getting more money and it is more clandestine — they are not caught as much.”

The KAIROS Blanket Exercise Project:Updates and Highlights​

Here at The Mary Ward Centre we are incredibly appreciative for the continued support and prayers from Loretto Sisters, Associates and friends for the KAIROS Blanket Exercise Project. We invite you to download a copyof our latest update and highlights about this project.

Toronto Star: Students Learn Indigenous History by Reenacting Colonization in Unique Blanket Exercise​

Great article from the Toronto Star about the KAIROS Blanket Exercise Project.

News Release: Students Learn Canadian History From Indigenous Perspective​

TORONTO: The Toronto Catholic District School Board has partnered with The Mary Ward Centre to introduce the KAIROS Blanket Exercise for TCDSB students. This day- long experience teaches students Canadian History from an Indigenous perspective. Every Wednesday, until the end of May, students from grades 4-12 across the Board will have the opportunity to participate in this day of learning and reflection. Elder Bob Phillips and other facilitators guide the students in this educational, impactful and often emotional exercise. Participants take on the roles of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Standing on blankets that represent the land, they walk through the stages of pre contract, treaty-making, colonization and resistance. Blankets are removed bit by bit to signify the variety of ways colonization over a 500-year history impacted FNMI peoples to such an extent leaving them isolated, alone, and with a decimated population.

“Our staff is committed to connecting our students with the Indigenous perspective and helping them understand the relationship we all have with Indigenous peoples,” says TCDSB Director of Education Angela Gauthier. “Programs such as this especially during this, Treaties Recognition Week, encourages us all to stand in solidarity with Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.

“This partnership with the Mary Ward Centre and KAIROS demonstrates our collective desire to journey through and learn from the truth and reconciliation process with our students and staff” says TCDSB Chair of the Board, Angela Kennedy. “The program enriches our students learning about the histories, cultures, contributions and perspectives of First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples in Canada.”

The Mary Ward Centre for Education, Spirituality and Justice is a Ministry of the Loretto Sisters (IBVM Canada). The aim of the Centre is to promote peace, justice and the integrity of creation.

“Human trafficking is a complex issue that requires the collaboration of many levels of government and society,” says Sister Thérèse Meunier, Chair, Faith Alliance and Congregational Leader, Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto. “We are confident that those with lived experience will be invited to share their stories and take a leadership role in the process. This is one way to better understand the underlying social factors that contribute to exploitation while making effective use of the Province’s strategy.”

“We are optimistic that along with this plan, the government will focus on the root causes of human trafficking which include climate change, poverty, conflict, marginalization -- all things that disconnect people from their communities,” says Ann McGowan, Director, The Mary Ward Centre and member of Faith Alliance. “We encourage the government to continue to include Indigenous people, migrant workers, women and children at the center of its strategy.”

Faith Alliance works with religious groups, students, social organizations, people who are trafficked and policy-makers to raise awareness. This includes:

Presenting GIFT Box in Sarnia, Ontario in June 2016 and in Toronto during the 2015 Pan Am/Para Pan Am Games. GIFT Box is a walk-in art installation illustrating exploitation at home and abroad.

Meeting with Premier Kathleen Wynne in January 2016 to deliver over 4,000 citizen-signed postcards and suggest action items for a human trafficking strategy.

Partnering with people with lived experience to deliver education and research.

Training frontline workers and volunteers.

Faith Alliance is a collaboration of religious and other partners working to end human trafficking by raising awareness and inspiring action. It is operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto. Visit our web site: www.FaithAlliance.ca.